Is the ‘7 Mountains Mandate’ Biblical or Heretical? by Michael L. Brown for Ask Dr Brown
Have you heard of the “7 Mountains Mandate”? If so, do you think it’s a commonsense application of biblical principles? Or do you think it’s a dangerous and heretical philosophy of ministry?
A Positive Portrayal of the 7 Mountains Mandate: Influence the Culture
The Generals International website offers a positive assessment, offering some historical background as well: “In 1975, Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade and Loren Cunningham, founder of Youth With a Mission (YWAM), developed a God-given, world-changing strategy. Their mandate: Bring Godly change to a nation by reaching its seven spheres, or mountains, of societal influence.
“They concluded that in order to truly transform any nation with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, these seven facets of society must be reached: Religion, Family, Education, Government, Media, Arts & Entertainment and Business.”
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“An Anti-Biblical and Damaging Movement”
The Got Questions website paints a decidedly negative picture: “The seven mountain mandate or the seven mountain prophecy is an anti-biblical and damaging movement that has gained a following in some Charismatic and Pentecostal churches. Those who follow the seven mountain mandate believe that, in order for Christ to return to earth, the church must take control of the seven major spheres of influence in society for the glory of Christ. Once the world has been made subject to the kingdom of God, Jesus will return and rule the world.”
What are we to make of this? (For other negative assessments, see here and here. For another positive assessment, see here.)
No, We Don’t Have to “Take Control” Before Jesus Can Return
I certainly do not believe that “the church must take control of the seven major spheres of influence in society” before Jesus can return. Absolutely, categorically not.
There is far too much in the Bible that speaks of rebellion and darkness and satanic activity at the end of this age, along with glorious harvest and outpouring. The whole world will certainly not become Christian before Jesus returns.
